A Hands-On Immunology Curriculum for Entry Level Middle School Grades 5 and 6

Developed by: Greg Bartram
© The American Association of Immunologists 2001

Overview
This curriculum is targeted for lower middle school students, grades 5 and 6, ages 11-14. The general purpose of this curriculum is to establish a strong base of information and activities dealing with the basics of immunology on which students can build their academic achievement.

The curriculum is based on three premises: all students can learn, students must be engaged with meaningful hands-on activities, and evaluations must be based on multiple facets which are both observable and quantitative.

Activities
Activity #1 (25-35 minutes)
Objective: To determine the knowledge level of students about immunology.

Activity #2 (25-35 minutes)
Objective: To determine what students know about immunology.

Activity #3 (40-50 minutes)
Objective: To study and identify microscopic animals.

Activity #4 Part I (40-50 minutes)
Objective: To study and identify microscopic animals.

Activity #4 Part II (40-50 minutes)
Objective: To study and identify microscopic animals.

Activity #5 Part I (40-50 minutes)
Objective: To discuss the idea of the impact of parasites on world population.

Activity #5 Part II (40-50 minutes)
Objective: To discuss the idea of the impact of parasites on world population.

Activity #5 Part III (40-50 minutes)
Objective: To discuss the idea of the impact of parasites on world population.

Activity #6 (40-50 minutes)
Objective: To examine live worms in culture.

Activity #7 (40-50 minutes)
Objective: To examine a scientific test (ELISA) used in immunology labs.

Activity #8 (40-50 minutes)
Objective: To examine scientific websites about immunology.

Activity #9 (40-50 minutes)
Objective: To develop a model of a parasitic worm being attacked by host cells.

To receive a copy of this curriculum, please contact: The American Association of Immunologists, telephone: 301/634-7178, fax: (301) 634-7887, email infoaai@aai.org.